Describe the situation here: RateMyTeacher.com .... I know that I won't be happy with what I read but I just couldn't stop myself from reading the comments. While there are some typical mean comments, there are also a couple oddly specific ones. I know exactly who three of the students are who wrote on the website nasty and inappropriate comments based on the specifics of what they said. I have them in class next period.
Understanding the Situation
a. What might be some underlying causes of the situation that you need to think about?
Am I reacting to situations in the classroom appropriately? b. Are there resources within your school that might be of help? If so who and what questions should you ask them?
c. Are there other resources that might be helpful?
A Solution
As a teacher, you will often try to address problems by preventing them. That said, things happen in classrooms that cannot be anticipated beforehand and you will have to make decisions about how to address the situation.
a. Decide whether your action is proactive (action aimed at preventing problem) or reactive (action occurs after situation develops).
My action will have to be reactive at the time, but perhaps in the future look for a more proactive solution. b. Decide what grade level you will "solve" this problem for.
High School level c. Describe what you'll do.
Now that you know what the student thinks of the situation, it is time to decide if it may have a hint of truth to it. Be retrospective; Could I have handled the initial situation better? First if you are planning on engaging the student at some point, ask administration if there is a protocol the is usually followed in a situation like this. This will save you from doing something that may be frowned upon. If there is not, teach the class as you would normally teach it. Don't act out towards the students in question and certainly don't bring it up during class. Be the mature responsible adult that you are. Remember that these students are kids and may not realize the consequences to their actions. They probably wrote the comment in the heat of the moment when emotions were running high. If you feel like the comments were rude enough, kindly take them aside after class and explain to them how the comments affected you. Talk with the student about what you can do to avoid altercations that may lead to a situation like this in the future. d. Describe how you anticipate your action(s) will affect the situation.
I anticipate the situation to simmer down immediately. If the comments were based on a recent event emotions may still be running high for the student. Students are more likely to react well if they are spoken to as if they are adults. Whatever tension is still between the two of you should dissipate.
Solution Consequences
Before you act to address a classroom situation, you have to anticipate possible consequences of your actions. Spell out some of these effects here:
a. How will you action be perceived by your students?
The student in question will probably deny the fact that they wrote the nasty comment online. However, they will know that it was them. If you are to come about speaking to them in a kind, knowing, and responsible way, the student may actually have a different view of you as an authority figure. b. How will your action affect the learning climate in your classroom?
By not calling out the student in question during class you are avoiding a situation that could make their impression of you even more negative. Everyone wants to be liked by their students. The more your students like and respect you as a person and as a teacher, the more likely it is that they will respond better to you in class. c. What might your students learn from your action? (Be sure to note both positive and negative lessons.)
Hopefully by reacting lightly to the situation, and not blaming the student for getting upset, the student will learn a positive lesson about maturity. Being an adult means reacting to situations in a way that helps both parties. Students will hopefully also learn that what is put on the internet can be seen by all. d. How will your students' parents react to their child's account of your action? (Remember that they will put their own "spin" on what you do.)
I believe the students parents will understand where I am coming from in my talk with the student. The reason as to why the student initially posted the comment is another story. It may be worth thinking about contacting the parents and explaining the situation to them first hand so that they will better understand. e. How will your administrator(s) react to your action?
I believe that administrators will think that I reacted to the situation appropriately. ----
BOTTOM LINE: I SHOULD...
Take a breath and relax. Realize that students are kids and cannot be held to the same level as adults in terms of decision making. If you feel like you need to confront the student, make sure it is with a level head, and in a way that is responsible and mature.
The Situation
Describe the situation here:RateMyTeacher.com .... I know that I won't be happy with what I read but I just couldn't stop myself from reading the comments. While there are some typical mean comments, there are also a couple oddly specific ones. I know exactly who three of the students are who wrote on the website nasty and inappropriate comments based on the specifics of what they said. I have them in class next period.
Understanding the Situation
a. What might be some underlying causes of the situation that you need to think about?
Am I reacting to situations in the classroom appropriately?
b. Are there resources within your school that might be of help? If so who and what questions should you ask them?
c. Are there other resources that might be helpful?
A Solution
As a teacher, you will often try to address problems by preventing them. That said, things happen in classrooms that cannot be anticipated beforehand and you will have to make decisions about how to address the situation.a. Decide whether your action is proactive (action aimed at preventing problem) or reactive (action occurs after situation develops).
My action will have to be reactive at the time, but perhaps in the future look for a more proactive solution.
b. Decide what grade level you will "solve" this problem for.
High School level
c. Describe what you'll do.
Now that you know what the student thinks of the situation, it is time to decide if it may have a hint of truth to it. Be retrospective; Could I have handled the initial situation better? First if you are planning on engaging the student at some point, ask administration if there is a protocol the is usually followed in a situation like this. This will save you from doing something that may be frowned upon. If there is not, teach the class as you would normally teach it. Don't act out towards the students in question and certainly don't bring it up during class. Be the mature responsible adult that you are. Remember that these students are kids and may not realize the consequences to their actions. They probably wrote the comment in the heat of the moment when emotions were running high. If you feel like the comments were rude enough, kindly take them aside after class and explain to them how the comments affected you. Talk with the student about what you can do to avoid altercations that may lead to a situation like this in the future.
d. Describe how you anticipate your action(s) will affect the situation.
I anticipate the situation to simmer down immediately. If the comments were based on a recent event emotions may still be running high for the student. Students are more likely to react well if they are spoken to as if they are adults. Whatever tension is still between the two of you should dissipate.
Solution Consequences
Before you act to address a classroom situation, you have to anticipate possible consequences of your actions. Spell out some of these effects here:a. How will you action be perceived by your students?
The student in question will probably deny the fact that they wrote the nasty comment online. However, they will know that it was them. If you are to come about speaking to them in a kind, knowing, and responsible way, the student may actually have a different view of you as an authority figure.
b. How will your action affect the learning climate in your classroom?
By not calling out the student in question during class you are avoiding a situation that could make their impression of you even more negative. Everyone wants to be liked by their students. The more your students like and respect you as a person and as a teacher, the more likely it is that they will respond better to you in class.
c. What might your students learn from your action? (Be sure to note both positive and negative lessons.)
Hopefully by reacting lightly to the situation, and not blaming the student for getting upset, the student will learn a positive lesson about maturity. Being an adult means reacting to situations in a way that helps both parties. Students will hopefully also learn that what is put on the internet can be seen by all.
d. How will your students' parents react to their child's account of your action? (Remember that they will put their own "spin" on what you do.)
I believe the students parents will understand where I am coming from in my talk with the student. The reason as to why the student initially posted the comment is another story. It may be worth thinking about contacting the parents and explaining the situation to them first hand so that they will better understand.
e. How will your administrator(s) react to your action?
I believe that administrators will think that I reacted to the situation appropriately.
----
BOTTOM LINE: I SHOULD...
Take a breath and relax. Realize that students are kids and cannot be held to the same level as adults in terms of decision making. If you feel like you need to confront the student, make sure it is with a level head, and in a way that is responsible and mature.